Phyllis D. Ruby

Phyllis Delores (Hansen) Ruby, age 91, left us peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at Mill Pond Care Center in Ankeny, Iowa.

Phyllis was born January 17, 1929 in Renwick, Iowa, the daughter of Walter and Florence (Walkner) Hansen. She was a Renwick High School alumnus. She married the love of her life, Russell Norris Ruby, in 1951, and they shared their lives together in Estherville, Spirit Lake, Mason City, and most recently Ankeny. Russell passed away in 2016. Phyllis was primarily a homemaker. Her family was her first priority and she took great pride in providing them a loving home. She was a past member of Estherville Lutheran Church where she served in various circles and Ladies Aide. Phyllis had a strong love of playing cards and games which resulted in her hosting the best neighborhood card parties and dinners. Cooking was one of her joys, and she loved hosting holidays and get-togethers with family. She enjoyed passing the time with an early morning stroll by the lake, soaking in the quiet moments of peace, and she was always up for a lively discussion of politics or the weather over a cup of coffee. Phyllis was a fan of the music of the 1940s, the Big Band era, and Frank Sinatra. Phyllis was an extremely devoted mother and grandmother - that was her favorite title in the world! She was quick-witted with a marvelous sense of humor and could easily entertain an entire room of people. One of her greatest assets was her positive demeanor. She would always see the glass as half full, never half empty. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her beloved family.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Marsha (Bruce) Meisinger, Julie (Wayne) Nyberg; son-in-law, Rowen Wipf; grandchildren, Brent (Sophie) Wipf, Nathan Meisinger, Mackenzie Meisinger, Courtney Nyberg, Spencer Nyberg; siblings, Connie Reed Hansen, Roger (Mary) Hansen, Harry (Dee) Hansen; numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family, and many loving friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Russell; daughter, Rhonda Wipf; parents, Walter and Florence Hansen; and siblings, Frank Hansen and Marian Reed Hansen.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 28, 2020 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. followed by her funeral service at 1:00 p.m. The family respectfully requests masks be worn and that guest practice social distancing. Burial will take place at Eastside Cemetery in Estherville, Iowa at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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